Pasco reports third swine flu death
A staff report
Published: December 4, 2009
NEW PORT RICHEY - The Pasco County Health Department received notification of the third confirmed swine flu death in the county, the department announced today. The patient, a 40-year-old man, had multiple chronic underlying medical conditions.
"We are saddened by this loss in our community. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends." David Johnson, Pasco County health officer, said in a news release. "H1N1 is still occurring in our county, and as a community we need to continue to follow the recommended precautions to avoid spreading infections. We encourage influenza vaccinations."
A 45-year-old man and a 35-year-old man died from swine flu in October.
Swine flu can be mild or severe in different people and may cause worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions, the health department stated.
LA, MS, AR, FL, GA, NC, SC, WV, AL, VA, TX, MS,TN, South
Moderators: yankee-in-france, Fashionista
by Eliza » Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:30 pm
Fifth H1N1 (swine) flu death confirmed in Sarasota County
Posted: Dec 7, 2009 01:19 PM CST
Updated: Dec 11, 2009 09:24 AM CST
SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Health Department received laboratory confirmation today of a fifth H1N1 (swine) flu-related death in the county.
The death was in a 39year-old female with an underlying medical condition.
(talking points snipped)
Posted: Dec 7, 2009 01:19 PM CST
Updated: Dec 11, 2009 09:24 AM CST
SARASOTA COUNTY - The Sarasota County Health Department received laboratory confirmation today of a fifth H1N1 (swine) flu-related death in the county.
The death was in a 39year-old female with an underlying medical condition.
(talking points snipped)
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:40 pm
Posted: Today at 1:04 a.m.
Updated: Today at 6:59 p.m.
Chapel Hill, N.C. — A University of North Carolina student, who friends said was battling complications from the H1N1 virus, died Wednesday evening, according to UNC Hospitals and a Facebook post made by her father.
Freshman Lillian Chason had been in critical condition at UNC Hospitals for weeks. Friends said she started feeling bad before Thanksgiving and went into the hospital on Nov. 20.
"As you all know, she put up an incredible fight, and if there was anyway she could have overcome this disease, she would have," her father, Eric Charon, wrote on Facebook to announce her death.
"I think all of us are really shocked and completely devastated. We were so full of hope the past few weeks," UNC freshman Laura Page said. "Lillian was an amazing friend. She was full of compassion, and she would always be there for you."
Page was among the dozens of UNC students who donated blood Tuesday in Chason's honor because the life-support system she was on required plenty of blood to circulate through her system.
Dr. Charles van der Horst, an infectious disease specialist who treated her, said he also was surprised by her death.
"We thought she was going to pull through, so it was particularly disappointing," van der Horst said.
He couldn't talk specifically about Chason's case, but he said people who don't have underlying medical conditions are dying from H1N1.
"We know that about at least 25 percent of people who actually die from H1N1 have no risk factor whatsoever. They are not pregnant. They are not diabetic," van der Horst said. "This disease is attacking the young and people who are perfectly healthy as well."
Six people have died from H1N1 at UNC Hospitals, and a seventh might have died from complications, officials said.
Van der Horst said it's important for people to get immunized against the virus.
Page said many of her friends at UNC have already made appointments to get the H1N1 vaccine in the wake of Chason's death.
"I can't even comprehend it," she said. "It was so sudden and so soon, and we didn't even have a chance to say goodbye."
Reporter: Erin Hartness
Photographer: Pete James
Web Editor: Matthew Burns
Updated: Today at 6:59 p.m.
Chapel Hill, N.C. — A University of North Carolina student, who friends said was battling complications from the H1N1 virus, died Wednesday evening, according to UNC Hospitals and a Facebook post made by her father.
Freshman Lillian Chason had been in critical condition at UNC Hospitals for weeks. Friends said she started feeling bad before Thanksgiving and went into the hospital on Nov. 20.
"As you all know, she put up an incredible fight, and if there was anyway she could have overcome this disease, she would have," her father, Eric Charon, wrote on Facebook to announce her death.
"I think all of us are really shocked and completely devastated. We were so full of hope the past few weeks," UNC freshman Laura Page said. "Lillian was an amazing friend. She was full of compassion, and she would always be there for you."
Page was among the dozens of UNC students who donated blood Tuesday in Chason's honor because the life-support system she was on required plenty of blood to circulate through her system.
Dr. Charles van der Horst, an infectious disease specialist who treated her, said he also was surprised by her death.
"We thought she was going to pull through, so it was particularly disappointing," van der Horst said.
He couldn't talk specifically about Chason's case, but he said people who don't have underlying medical conditions are dying from H1N1.
"We know that about at least 25 percent of people who actually die from H1N1 have no risk factor whatsoever. They are not pregnant. They are not diabetic," van der Horst said. "This disease is attacking the young and people who are perfectly healthy as well."
Six people have died from H1N1 at UNC Hospitals, and a seventh might have died from complications, officials said.
Van der Horst said it's important for people to get immunized against the virus.
Page said many of her friends at UNC have already made appointments to get the H1N1 vaccine in the wake of Chason's death.
"I can't even comprehend it," she said. "It was so sudden and so soon, and we didn't even have a chance to say goodbye."
Reporter: Erin Hartness
Photographer: Pete James
Web Editor: Matthew Burns
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Sat Dec 19, 2009 12:06 am
Texas school districts could lose state funding from swine flu-related absences
12:00 AM CST on Friday, December 18, 2009
By JEFFREY WEISS / The Dallas Morning News
jweiss@dallasnews.com
Texas school districts worried about losing school funding because of unusually high absentee rates related to the 2009 swine flu won't find out until next year whether the state will help, according to a letter released Thursday by Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott.
School funding in Texas is tied to daily attendance, so the swine flu could cost some districts millions unless the state grants special relief.
Scott's letter, posted to the Texas Education Agency's Web site, said that no decision will be made until he sees whether the flu re-emerges next year. Most school districts start their budget planning in February.
"Unfortunately, I will not have all the data needed to make a decision regarding the waivers by then," Scott wrote. "At the latest, I will know by mid-July whether there will be any adjustments to funding that will be applied in September."
Administrators in some area districts have expressed concerns that without state intervention, their budgets could be severely affected.
Officials in Richardson ISD, for instance, said they were worried about more than $800,000. Mesquite ISD could be on the hook for $2 million
12:00 AM CST on Friday, December 18, 2009
By JEFFREY WEISS / The Dallas Morning News
jweiss@dallasnews.com
Texas school districts worried about losing school funding because of unusually high absentee rates related to the 2009 swine flu won't find out until next year whether the state will help, according to a letter released Thursday by Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott.
School funding in Texas is tied to daily attendance, so the swine flu could cost some districts millions unless the state grants special relief.
Scott's letter, posted to the Texas Education Agency's Web site, said that no decision will be made until he sees whether the flu re-emerges next year. Most school districts start their budget planning in February.
"Unfortunately, I will not have all the data needed to make a decision regarding the waivers by then," Scott wrote. "At the latest, I will know by mid-July whether there will be any adjustments to funding that will be applied in September."
Administrators in some area districts have expressed concerns that without state intervention, their budgets could be severely affected.
Officials in Richardson ISD, for instance, said they were worried about more than $800,000. Mesquite ISD could be on the hook for $2 million
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:24 am
orlandosentinel.com/health/os-oc-swine-flu-death-20091223,0,227612.story
OrlandoSentinel.com
Swine flu-related death confirmed in Orange County
By Fernando Quintero, Orlando Sentinel
12:42 PM EST, December 23, 2009
A 57-year-old Orange County man has died of swine flu-related complications, health officials confirmed today.
The latest case brings to 13 the total number of H1N1-related deaths reported to the Orange County Health Department since the new strain of flu was first identified in April. Twelve of the reported cases were Orange County residents. One case was a visitor to Orange County.
Statewide, at least 1178 hospitalizations and 185 deaths have been reported as of Dec. 15.
OrlandoSentinel.com
Swine flu-related death confirmed in Orange County
By Fernando Quintero, Orlando Sentinel
12:42 PM EST, December 23, 2009
A 57-year-old Orange County man has died of swine flu-related complications, health officials confirmed today.
The latest case brings to 13 the total number of H1N1-related deaths reported to the Orange County Health Department since the new strain of flu was first identified in April. Twelve of the reported cases were Orange County residents. One case was a visitor to Orange County.
Statewide, at least 1178 hospitalizations and 185 deaths have been reported as of Dec. 15.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:53 am
Thursday December 24, 2009
Swine flu cases trend upward in W.Va.
Health officials say number of H1N1 infections again on the rise and people should be vaccinated
by Elaine McMillion
Daily Mail staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- While the number of swine flu cases in the state has dropped drastically in the past couple of months, health officials say infections again are on the upswing and now more than ever people need to be vigilant about getting vaccinated.
State health officer Cathy Slemp said the number of cases of H1N1 identified in West Virginia has dropped to about 2,000 per week, down from 13,000 a week in late October.
But Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Director Rahul Gupta points out the percentage of people visiting health care providers with flu-like illnesses has jumped in the past several weeks.
Around the beginning of November, only 2 percent of patients were seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms, according to data from the state Bureau for Public Health.
Nationally, the percentage of patients treated for flu-like illnesses has been holding steady at about 2.4 percent.
But by the end of last week, 5.2 percent of those treated by West Virginia health care providers had flu-like illnesses, Gupta said.
"There is a recent increase," Gupta said Wednesday. "The trend is now upward. That is why it's so important for people to get the shot. There is no way to predict where that number will peak.
"A couple weeks ago we were probably the lowest we have been for awhile," Gupta said. "We didn't know initially what would happen when it hit the bottom. But we have seen a little more activity in past two or three weeks."
Slemp, the state health officer, said although H1N1 rates appear to be down since the fall, the virus still is out there. She said as with many pandemics that have seen a third and fourth wave, the H1N1 virus may be returning.
"It could play a role with seasonal flu, which picks up at the end of December and beginning of January," Slemp said.
"This is a great time to get vaccinated and get healthy for the New Year," she said. "It is down, but it's still out there. We are still seeing it."
Officials attribute the downturn of infections in the past couple of months to the number of people who already have been vaccinated.
(snipped)
Swine flu cases trend upward in W.Va.
Health officials say number of H1N1 infections again on the rise and people should be vaccinated
by Elaine McMillion
Daily Mail staff
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- While the number of swine flu cases in the state has dropped drastically in the past couple of months, health officials say infections again are on the upswing and now more than ever people need to be vigilant about getting vaccinated.
State health officer Cathy Slemp said the number of cases of H1N1 identified in West Virginia has dropped to about 2,000 per week, down from 13,000 a week in late October.
But Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Director Rahul Gupta points out the percentage of people visiting health care providers with flu-like illnesses has jumped in the past several weeks.
Around the beginning of November, only 2 percent of patients were seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms, according to data from the state Bureau for Public Health.
Nationally, the percentage of patients treated for flu-like illnesses has been holding steady at about 2.4 percent.
But by the end of last week, 5.2 percent of those treated by West Virginia health care providers had flu-like illnesses, Gupta said.
"There is a recent increase," Gupta said Wednesday. "The trend is now upward. That is why it's so important for people to get the shot. There is no way to predict where that number will peak.
"A couple weeks ago we were probably the lowest we have been for awhile," Gupta said. "We didn't know initially what would happen when it hit the bottom. But we have seen a little more activity in past two or three weeks."
Slemp, the state health officer, said although H1N1 rates appear to be down since the fall, the virus still is out there. She said as with many pandemics that have seen a third and fourth wave, the H1N1 virus may be returning.
"It could play a role with seasonal flu, which picks up at the end of December and beginning of January," Slemp said.
"This is a great time to get vaccinated and get healthy for the New Year," she said. "It is down, but it's still out there. We are still seeing it."
Officials attribute the downturn of infections in the past couple of months to the number of people who already have been vaccinated.
(snipped)
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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Florida
by Eliza » Thu Dec 24, 2009 5:02 pm
Polk Has Ninth Swine Flu Death
By Robin Williams Adams
The Ledger
Published: Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
BARTOW | Nine people in Polk County now have died from H1N1 swine flu, the latest a 66-year-old woman who died sometime within the past two weeks.
The Polk County Health Department announced her death today.
Like other adults who have died, she had underlying medical conditions that put her at higher than average risk, said Dr. Daniel Haight, director of the Polk County Health
Department. All but one of the deaths have occurred in adults. The only exception is a 4-year-old who had the flu and was recovering when she died of other, unrelated medical issues.
Florida records Polk County as having just eight swine flu deaths. That’s because one of the people who died had lived in Polk for a few months, but her flu was counted on the total of an area considered her home.
The Health Department doesn’t provide names or locations within the county for people who die from the H1N1 swine flu.
By Robin Williams Adams
The Ledger
Published: Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 10:43 a.m.
BARTOW | Nine people in Polk County now have died from H1N1 swine flu, the latest a 66-year-old woman who died sometime within the past two weeks.
The Polk County Health Department announced her death today.
Like other adults who have died, she had underlying medical conditions that put her at higher than average risk, said Dr. Daniel Haight, director of the Polk County Health
Department. All but one of the deaths have occurred in adults. The only exception is a 4-year-old who had the flu and was recovering when she died of other, unrelated medical issues.
Florida records Polk County as having just eight swine flu deaths. That’s because one of the people who died had lived in Polk for a few months, but her flu was counted on the total of an area considered her home.
The Health Department doesn’t provide names or locations within the county for people who die from the H1N1 swine flu.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:08 pm
12/27/09
Lubbock region now up to 8 Swine Flu deaths
By James Clark | email
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - The greater Lubbock area is now up to eight Swine Flu deaths.
The latest report from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows: 5 deaths in Lubbock County, 1 in Floyd County, 1 in Cochran County and new to this report 1 death in Lamb County.
Forty people in the 41 county region around Lubbock have been hospitalized with Swine Flu. Twenty people in the Lubbock region have been admitted to a hospital intensive care unit due to Swine Flu.
The latest state report shows 195 people in Texas have died from Swine Flu.
Lubbock region now up to 8 Swine Flu deaths
By James Clark | email
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - The greater Lubbock area is now up to eight Swine Flu deaths.
The latest report from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows: 5 deaths in Lubbock County, 1 in Floyd County, 1 in Cochran County and new to this report 1 death in Lamb County.
Forty people in the 41 county region around Lubbock have been hospitalized with Swine Flu. Twenty people in the Lubbock region have been admitted to a hospital intensive care unit due to Swine Flu.
The latest state report shows 195 people in Texas have died from Swine Flu.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Tue Dec 29, 2009 1:58 pm
State's Swine Flu Deaths Rise To 14
1,279 Cases Reported In 2009
POSTED: 11:46 am CST December 29, 2009
UPDATED: 11:56 am CST December 29, 2009
JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi health officials reported a new swine flu death Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 14 deaths and 1,279 cases.
The new death was reported in Tate County, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
The swine flu vaccine is available at county health departments for Mississippi residents ages 6 months and older. It is especially recommended for pregnant women; people 6 months through 24 years old; people living with an infant less than 6 months old; health care workers and emergency medical providers; and people 25 to 64 years old with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from the flu, health officials said.
1,279 Cases Reported In 2009
POSTED: 11:46 am CST December 29, 2009
UPDATED: 11:56 am CST December 29, 2009
JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi health officials reported a new swine flu death Tuesday, bringing the state’s total to 14 deaths and 1,279 cases.
The new death was reported in Tate County, according to the Mississippi State Department of Health.
The swine flu vaccine is available at county health departments for Mississippi residents ages 6 months and older. It is especially recommended for pregnant women; people 6 months through 24 years old; people living with an infant less than 6 months old; health care workers and emergency medical providers; and people 25 to 64 years old with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from the flu, health officials said.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Tue Jan 05, 2010 11:28 pm
Collin County man dies from H1N1 virus
05:26 PM CST on Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By ED HOUSEWRIGHT/ The Dallas Morning News
ehousewright@dallasnews.com
A 28-year-old Collin County man who recently died was infected with the H1N1 virus, county health department officials said Tuesday.
The man had underlying medical conditions, authorities said, but released no details, citing federal privacy laws.
Collin County Health Care Services advises people to receive an H1N1 vaccination. The county is offering free shots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Anna High School.
In addition, 68 clinics and pharmacies are partnering with the county to offer free or low-cost vaccinations. For a list of the locations, visit the county’s Web site, www.co.collin.tx.us.
Statewide flu information is available at www.texasflu.org.
05:26 PM CST on Tuesday, January 5, 2010
By ED HOUSEWRIGHT/ The Dallas Morning News
ehousewright@dallasnews.com
A 28-year-old Collin County man who recently died was infected with the H1N1 virus, county health department officials said Tuesday.
The man had underlying medical conditions, authorities said, but released no details, citing federal privacy laws.
Collin County Health Care Services advises people to receive an H1N1 vaccination. The county is offering free shots from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Anna High School.
In addition, 68 clinics and pharmacies are partnering with the county to offer free or low-cost vaccinations. For a list of the locations, visit the county’s Web site, www.co.collin.tx.us.
Statewide flu information is available at www.texasflu.org.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:17 am
Harris Co. reports 15th swine flu death for 2009
By CINDY GEORGE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Jan. 5, 2010, 7:57PM
A man in the 50 to 64 age group died Dec. 28, making him the 15th swine flu fatality in unincorporated Harris County since April and the county's lone H1N1 death last month. The city of Houston has recorded 11 deaths during the same period and none in December.
At least 33 people have succumbed from swine flu in the five-county region. Texas recorded nearly 200 deaths from April through Dec. 19.
(snipped)
By CINDY GEORGE HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Jan. 5, 2010, 7:57PM
A man in the 50 to 64 age group died Dec. 28, making him the 15th swine flu fatality in unincorporated Harris County since April and the county's lone H1N1 death last month. The city of Houston has recorded 11 deaths during the same period and none in December.
At least 33 people have succumbed from swine flu in the five-county region. Texas recorded nearly 200 deaths from April through Dec. 19.
(snipped)
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Wed Jan 06, 2010 12:22 am
Cold Weather Increases Flu Chances
January 05, 2010
With the cold weather around West Alabama, it is causing people to bundle up inside and staying inside all together can cause germs to spread. The Alabama Department of Public Health held a seasonal and swine flu shot drive Tuesday afternoon in Tuscalosa. The swine flu shot was for free and the seasonal flu was just five dollars.
Pam Moody with the Alabama Public Health Department says the holiday seasons may have you close with family and traveling, but people need to take extra precaution and wash their hands. If you are going to be staying inside with a lot of people, make sure you have a good social distance.
January 05, 2010
With the cold weather around West Alabama, it is causing people to bundle up inside and staying inside all together can cause germs to spread. The Alabama Department of Public Health held a seasonal and swine flu shot drive Tuesday afternoon in Tuscalosa. The swine flu shot was for free and the seasonal flu was just five dollars.
Pam Moody with the Alabama Public Health Department says the holiday seasons may have you close with family and traveling, but people need to take extra precaution and wash their hands. If you are going to be staying inside with a lot of people, make sure you have a good social distance.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:21 pm
NKY reports sixth H1N1 flu death
By Peggy O'Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • January 6, 2010
Kenton County woman is Northern Kentucky's sixth H1N1 flu death, health officials said Wednesday.
The victim, identified only as a woman in her 50s, died in November, but testing only recently confirmed the link to H1N1 flu, Northern Kentucky Health Department officials said. She also had underlying medical conditions.
H1N1 flu cases have slowed since November, but the flu virus still poses a danger, said Steven Katkowsky, health department director.
"The risks for contracting the flu are expected to continue for several weeks, and another wave of illness is possible," he said. "With vaccine becoming more readily available in our community, this is an excellent opportunity."
The department will hold a vaccination clinic Saturday at Cooper High School in Union for children and families in the Boone County School District, children under 10 who need a second flu vaccination and individuals at high risk for flu complications.
And starting Monday, county health centers will start taking appointments for H1N1 flu vaccinations, beginning at 8 a.m. Appointments will be scheduled in advance, with the first vaccinations given Jan. 20. Locations and phone numbers are:
* Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky.
859.363.2060
* Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky.
859.431.1704 (note the new address)
* Grant County Health Center, 234 Barnes Road, Williamstown, Ky.
859.824.5074
* Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.
859.431.3345.
By Peggy O'Farrell • pofarrell@enquirer.com • January 6, 2010
Kenton County woman is Northern Kentucky's sixth H1N1 flu death, health officials said Wednesday.
The victim, identified only as a woman in her 50s, died in November, but testing only recently confirmed the link to H1N1 flu, Northern Kentucky Health Department officials said. She also had underlying medical conditions.
H1N1 flu cases have slowed since November, but the flu virus still poses a danger, said Steven Katkowsky, health department director.
"The risks for contracting the flu are expected to continue for several weeks, and another wave of illness is possible," he said. "With vaccine becoming more readily available in our community, this is an excellent opportunity."
The department will hold a vaccination clinic Saturday at Cooper High School in Union for children and families in the Boone County School District, children under 10 who need a second flu vaccination and individuals at high risk for flu complications.
And starting Monday, county health centers will start taking appointments for H1N1 flu vaccinations, beginning at 8 a.m. Appointments will be scheduled in advance, with the first vaccinations given Jan. 20. Locations and phone numbers are:
* Boone County Health Center, 7505 Burlington Pike, Florence, Ky.
859.363.2060
* Campbell County Health Center, 1098 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky.
859.431.1704 (note the new address)
* Grant County Health Center, 234 Barnes Road, Williamstown, Ky.
859.824.5074
* Kenton County Health Center, 2002 Madison Ave., Covington, Ky.
859.431.3345.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:24 pm
Houston Area's H1N1 Death Toll Hits 32
Updated: Tuesday, 05 Jan 2010, 8:43 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 05 Jan 2010, 8:43 PM CST
MENA EL-SHARKAWI
Web Producer
HOUSTON - The Houston-area's swine flu death toll rose to 32 after the virus claimed its first life since Nov. 30.
A Harris County man between the ages of 50 and 64 died Dec. 28, bringing the county's death toll to 15, according to the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services website. But 17 others deaths have been reported from Houston and Fort Bend, Galveson, Brazoria and Montgomery counties.
The last area swine flu death was reported by the city of Houston on Nov. 30.
The Centers for Disease Control recently reported an uptick in flu-like symptoms nationwide after it saw a deep decline in reports.
Updated: Tuesday, 05 Jan 2010, 8:43 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 05 Jan 2010, 8:43 PM CST
MENA EL-SHARKAWI
Web Producer
HOUSTON - The Houston-area's swine flu death toll rose to 32 after the virus claimed its first life since Nov. 30.
A Harris County man between the ages of 50 and 64 died Dec. 28, bringing the county's death toll to 15, according to the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services website. But 17 others deaths have been reported from Houston and Fort Bend, Galveson, Brazoria and Montgomery counties.
The last area swine flu death was reported by the city of Houston on Nov. 30.
The Centers for Disease Control recently reported an uptick in flu-like symptoms nationwide after it saw a deep decline in reports.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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West Virginia
by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:32 pm
Tucker County Man Dies After Fighting Swine Flu
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2010 ; 10:28 AM |
Updated Wednesday, January 6, 2010; 11:32 AM
The Parsons native had underlying health conditions.
Story by Jenilee Mason
PARSONS -- A 44-year-old Parsons man has died after battling the swine flu, according to the Tucker County Health Department.
Health officials said the man checked himself into Davis Memorial Hospital in Randolph County around Thanksgiving. He was later transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
The man died while he was in Ruby Memorial Hospital.
The Tucker County Health Department wants residents to know that H1N1 vaccinations are still available.
Posted Wednesday, January 6, 2010 ; 10:28 AM |
Updated Wednesday, January 6, 2010; 11:32 AM
The Parsons native had underlying health conditions.
Story by Jenilee Mason
PARSONS -- A 44-year-old Parsons man has died after battling the swine flu, according to the Tucker County Health Department.
Health officials said the man checked himself into Davis Memorial Hospital in Randolph County around Thanksgiving. He was later transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
The man died while he was in Ruby Memorial Hospital.
The Tucker County Health Department wants residents to know that H1N1 vaccinations are still available.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
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by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 5:34 pm
Louisiana H1N1 death toll rises to 41
Posted: Jan 06, 2010 11:06 AM CST
Updated: Jan 06, 2010 11:06 AM CST
Louisiana H1N1 death toll rises to 41
Flu Alert: Info CenterBATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed one H1N1-related death in the past week, bringing the total number of deaths in the state from the virus to 41.
Officials identified the latest victim as a woman from the New Orleans area.
According to DHH, there are now 1,921 total lab-confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in the state of Louisiana.
Estimates derived by DHH in conjunction with CDC data indicate approximately 222,000 Louisianians currently have or have had the H1N1 flu.
DHH announced earlier this week that the H1N1 flu vaccine is now available to anyone in the general public.
Interested residents should call their provider to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine and can view public providers of the vaccine on the H1N1 flu shot locator at www.FightTheFluLA.com.
Posted: Jan 06, 2010 11:06 AM CST
Updated: Jan 06, 2010 11:06 AM CST
Louisiana H1N1 death toll rises to 41
Flu Alert: Info CenterBATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirmed one H1N1-related death in the past week, bringing the total number of deaths in the state from the virus to 41.
Officials identified the latest victim as a woman from the New Orleans area.
According to DHH, there are now 1,921 total lab-confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in the state of Louisiana.
Estimates derived by DHH in conjunction with CDC data indicate approximately 222,000 Louisianians currently have or have had the H1N1 flu.
DHH announced earlier this week that the H1N1 flu vaccine is now available to anyone in the general public.
Interested residents should call their provider to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine and can view public providers of the vaccine on the H1N1 flu shot locator at www.FightTheFluLA.com.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 10:48 pm
Vaccine push follows three new swine flu deaths in Dallas-Fort Worth
08:41 AM CST on Thursday, January 7, 2010
By SHERRY JACOBSON / The Dallas Morning News
sjacobson@dallasnews.com
Three more H1N1-related deaths were announced Wednesday in Dallas and Tarrant counties, prompting health officials to urge more people to get vaccinated.
"These deaths and the one reported last week are reminders of just how serious the H1N1 flu can be and how important it is to get vaccinated," said Dr. Sandra Parker, Tarrant County Public Health's medical director and health authority.
The H1N1 vaccine remains widely available throughout North Texas.
County health departments have been offering free swine-flu vaccinations since early December, while many doctors' offices and pharmacies are dispensing doses for as much as $20 apiece.
"Though low levels of flu activity are being reported in Dallas County, the threat of flu remains as H1N1 continues to circulate," said Dr. John Carlo, the Dallas County Health Department's medical director.
Nearly 700,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been distributed to doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers in Dallas County. It is not known how much has been used.
The county health department has dispensed nearly 30,000 free doses and has an additional 16,000 doses.
"We can always vaccinate more," Carlo said, "though I am happy with the number of people who have received the vaccine so far.
"Comparatively, it's three to four times more than what we normally see with seasonal flu vaccinations."
In recent weeks, the H1N1 death toll has climbed. The victims usually have underlying health problems, such as asthma or heart disease, which make them vulnerable to severe complications.
In Dallas County, the 23rd death associated with the H1N1 flu was confirmed Wednesday. The unnamed 29-year-old man had "significant underlying medical conditions," according to health officials.
Flu victims are not identified because of federal privacy laws.
The H1N1 flu also has been linked to 13 deaths in Tarrant County, including a man in his 60s and a girl younger than 2. Both died last week.
The man was not considered at high risk for severe flu complications. The girl, however, was among the groups targeted for early access to the flu vaccine, Tarrant officials said.
Collin County confirmed its first swine flu death this week, a 28-year-old man who had underlying health problems, said spokeswoman Pamela Nishimoto.
The county will hold its first mass H1N1 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Anna High School, 1201 N. Powell Parkway in Anna. The vaccine will be free to all age groups and residents of any county.
"We've been trying to make it widely available throughout Collin County, and now we're targeting rural areas," Nishimoto said.
"You don't have to be a resident of Collin County to get the vaccination."
08:41 AM CST on Thursday, January 7, 2010
By SHERRY JACOBSON / The Dallas Morning News
sjacobson@dallasnews.com
Three more H1N1-related deaths were announced Wednesday in Dallas and Tarrant counties, prompting health officials to urge more people to get vaccinated.
"These deaths and the one reported last week are reminders of just how serious the H1N1 flu can be and how important it is to get vaccinated," said Dr. Sandra Parker, Tarrant County Public Health's medical director and health authority.
The H1N1 vaccine remains widely available throughout North Texas.
County health departments have been offering free swine-flu vaccinations since early December, while many doctors' offices and pharmacies are dispensing doses for as much as $20 apiece.
"Though low levels of flu activity are being reported in Dallas County, the threat of flu remains as H1N1 continues to circulate," said Dr. John Carlo, the Dallas County Health Department's medical director.
Nearly 700,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been distributed to doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other healthcare providers in Dallas County. It is not known how much has been used.
The county health department has dispensed nearly 30,000 free doses and has an additional 16,000 doses.
"We can always vaccinate more," Carlo said, "though I am happy with the number of people who have received the vaccine so far.
"Comparatively, it's three to four times more than what we normally see with seasonal flu vaccinations."
In recent weeks, the H1N1 death toll has climbed. The victims usually have underlying health problems, such as asthma or heart disease, which make them vulnerable to severe complications.
In Dallas County, the 23rd death associated with the H1N1 flu was confirmed Wednesday. The unnamed 29-year-old man had "significant underlying medical conditions," according to health officials.
Flu victims are not identified because of federal privacy laws.
The H1N1 flu also has been linked to 13 deaths in Tarrant County, including a man in his 60s and a girl younger than 2. Both died last week.
The man was not considered at high risk for severe flu complications. The girl, however, was among the groups targeted for early access to the flu vaccine, Tarrant officials said.
Collin County confirmed its first swine flu death this week, a 28-year-old man who had underlying health problems, said spokeswoman Pamela Nishimoto.
The county will hold its first mass H1N1 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at Anna High School, 1201 N. Powell Parkway in Anna. The vaccine will be free to all age groups and residents of any county.
"We've been trying to make it widely available throughout Collin County, and now we're targeting rural areas," Nishimoto said.
"You don't have to be a resident of Collin County to get the vaccination."
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
Texas
by Eliza » Fri Jan 08, 2010 11:07 pm
Collin County records first swine flu related death
By Danny Gallagher, McKinney Courier-Gazette
Published: Thursday, January 7, 2010 1:39 AM CST
Collin County health officials reported the death of an unidentified victim infected with the H1N1 virus.
The Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) Department released a statement on Tuesday that announced the death of an unidentified 28-year-old male who suffered from H1N1, also known as "swine flu."
Health officials did not identify the exact cause of the person's death except that he suffered from H1N1 and had other "underlying medical conditions," according to a release issued by Collin County Homeland Security Public Outreach Coordinator Pamela Nishimoto.
Health officials also could not release any further identifying information on the deceased "in order to comply with federal privacy laws," Nishimoto said.
A spokesperson for CCHCS could not be reached by presstime.
Nishimoto said they are urging the public to get vaccinated to combat the spread of the virus either through their primary care physician or at a free county sponsored clinic. Collin County is holding a free H1N1 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Anna High School located at 1201 N. Powell Parkway.
The vaccine is also available at one of 68 locations thanks to a partnership with CCHCS. The public can find their nearest location at the county's website at www.co.collin.tx.us or by calling CCHCS at 872-548-5500, Nishimoto said.
The Centers for Disease Controll (CDC) is also urging the public to take several home precautions to further prevent the spread of the virus such covering your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, washing your hands rigorously with soap and water, avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding "close contact with sick people," according to Flu.gov, the CDC's website on the H1N1 virus.
Contact Danny Gallagher at dgallagher@acnpapers.com.
By Danny Gallagher, McKinney Courier-Gazette
Published: Thursday, January 7, 2010 1:39 AM CST
Collin County health officials reported the death of an unidentified victim infected with the H1N1 virus.
The Collin County Health Care Services (CCHCS) Department released a statement on Tuesday that announced the death of an unidentified 28-year-old male who suffered from H1N1, also known as "swine flu."
Health officials did not identify the exact cause of the person's death except that he suffered from H1N1 and had other "underlying medical conditions," according to a release issued by Collin County Homeland Security Public Outreach Coordinator Pamela Nishimoto.
Health officials also could not release any further identifying information on the deceased "in order to comply with federal privacy laws," Nishimoto said.
A spokesperson for CCHCS could not be reached by presstime.
Nishimoto said they are urging the public to get vaccinated to combat the spread of the virus either through their primary care physician or at a free county sponsored clinic. Collin County is holding a free H1N1 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Anna High School located at 1201 N. Powell Parkway.
The vaccine is also available at one of 68 locations thanks to a partnership with CCHCS. The public can find their nearest location at the county's website at www.co.collin.tx.us or by calling CCHCS at 872-548-5500, Nishimoto said.
The Centers for Disease Controll (CDC) is also urging the public to take several home precautions to further prevent the spread of the virus such covering your nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing, washing your hands rigorously with soap and water, avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth and avoiding "close contact with sick people," according to Flu.gov, the CDC's website on the H1N1 virus.
Contact Danny Gallagher at dgallagher@acnpapers.com.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
by Eliza » Sun Jan 10, 2010 6:06 pm
Nurse fired over refusal to get flu shot, wear mask
Flu fears in the fall sparked requirement at Seton facilities.
By Mary Ann Roser
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 6:34 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010
Some Central Texas hospitals required employees to get flu vaccinations this year or wear masks while working with patients as the H1N1 swine flu virus spread and seasonal flu loomed. One nurse at the Seton Family of Hospitals was fired for refusing to do either.
Laurie Haw of Cedar Park, who worked at Seton Medical Center, said she has a strong immune system and would go home if sick.
"I don't feel like putting all of that in my body," she said of the vaccine.
Haw said she also did not wish to work all day in the surgical recovery area in a mask.
"They're coming out of anesthesia, and sometimes when people awake, the last thing they need to see is someone wearing a mask," she said.
Haw, the mother of a 17-year-old girl, was initially suspended and given another chance to comply. The 49-year-old was fired last month for refusing.
Seton spokeswoman Matilda Sanchez said Seton's goal is to keep employees and patients healthy. She did not have data on how many others opted out of the vaccine, mask or both. Haw and Sanchez said they didn't know of anyone else fired.
H1N1 sent thousands of Texans to hospitals for treatment. Studies show that health care workers face a higher risk of flu and are easy transmitters of illnesses because of their close contact with patients. Health care workers were on state and federal priority lists for the H1N1 vaccine, but now that vaccine supplies are more plentiful, most venues are offering them to everyone.
This year, Sanchez said Seton required employees in patient care areas at its 10 hospitals, including its psychiatric facility, Seton Shoal Creek, to get the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines or to wear a mask until flu season ends (usually in May). Doctors under a special contract with Seton hospitals were required to be vaccinated, and those with privileges in Seton hospitals were strongly encouraged to be immunized, Sanchez said.
Oct. 1 was the deadline for Seton workers to get the seasonal flu vaccine; Jan. 15 is the deadline for the H1N1 vaccine, she said.
Haw said she has never gotten a flu shot and thinks "building it up by exposure is a better way to hone your immune system."
St. David's HealthCare, which has five acute care hospitals in Travis and Williamson counties, required employees to get vaccinated against seasonal flu only or wear a mask by Nov. 15, said Dr. Steve Berkowitz, chief medical officer for St. David's. A handful of hospital staff members chose masks; none was terminated, he said.
St. David's did not to require the H1N1 vaccine because it became available so late, minimizing its effectiveness, Berkowitz said. He added that the risk of transmitting seasonal flu was higher for people in age groups who are most likely to be in a hospital, including older people.
Scott & White did not mandate flu vaccinations, according to spokeswoman Katherine Voss.
Swine flu is still circulating nationally, but it's fading, and seasonal flu appears relatively mild in Texas. Based on the latest report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, flu activity is "local," meaning that increases in cases are occurring in a single region of the state.
In a Twitter post Dec. 18, Seton reported: "Virtually zero swine flu in Austin currently."
That could change, and public health authorities are urging people to get immunized in case the H1N1 virus makes a comeback.
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is offering free H1N1 vaccine to anyone who wants to be immunized at two clinics this month. Appointments must be made by calling 972-5520. The first clinic is 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Burger Center, 3200 Jones Road. The second is 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Drive.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
Flu fears in the fall sparked requirement at Seton facilities.
By Mary Ann Roser
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Published: 6:34 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010
Some Central Texas hospitals required employees to get flu vaccinations this year or wear masks while working with patients as the H1N1 swine flu virus spread and seasonal flu loomed. One nurse at the Seton Family of Hospitals was fired for refusing to do either.
Laurie Haw of Cedar Park, who worked at Seton Medical Center, said she has a strong immune system and would go home if sick.
"I don't feel like putting all of that in my body," she said of the vaccine.
Haw said she also did not wish to work all day in the surgical recovery area in a mask.
"They're coming out of anesthesia, and sometimes when people awake, the last thing they need to see is someone wearing a mask," she said.
Haw, the mother of a 17-year-old girl, was initially suspended and given another chance to comply. The 49-year-old was fired last month for refusing.
Seton spokeswoman Matilda Sanchez said Seton's goal is to keep employees and patients healthy. She did not have data on how many others opted out of the vaccine, mask or both. Haw and Sanchez said they didn't know of anyone else fired.
H1N1 sent thousands of Texans to hospitals for treatment. Studies show that health care workers face a higher risk of flu and are easy transmitters of illnesses because of their close contact with patients. Health care workers were on state and federal priority lists for the H1N1 vaccine, but now that vaccine supplies are more plentiful, most venues are offering them to everyone.
This year, Sanchez said Seton required employees in patient care areas at its 10 hospitals, including its psychiatric facility, Seton Shoal Creek, to get the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines or to wear a mask until flu season ends (usually in May). Doctors under a special contract with Seton hospitals were required to be vaccinated, and those with privileges in Seton hospitals were strongly encouraged to be immunized, Sanchez said.
Oct. 1 was the deadline for Seton workers to get the seasonal flu vaccine; Jan. 15 is the deadline for the H1N1 vaccine, she said.
Haw said she has never gotten a flu shot and thinks "building it up by exposure is a better way to hone your immune system."
St. David's HealthCare, which has five acute care hospitals in Travis and Williamson counties, required employees to get vaccinated against seasonal flu only or wear a mask by Nov. 15, said Dr. Steve Berkowitz, chief medical officer for St. David's. A handful of hospital staff members chose masks; none was terminated, he said.
St. David's did not to require the H1N1 vaccine because it became available so late, minimizing its effectiveness, Berkowitz said. He added that the risk of transmitting seasonal flu was higher for people in age groups who are most likely to be in a hospital, including older people.
Scott & White did not mandate flu vaccinations, according to spokeswoman Katherine Voss.
Swine flu is still circulating nationally, but it's fading, and seasonal flu appears relatively mild in Texas. Based on the latest report from the Texas Department of State Health Services, flu activity is "local," meaning that increases in cases are occurring in a single region of the state.
In a Twitter post Dec. 18, Seton reported: "Virtually zero swine flu in Austin currently."
That could change, and public health authorities are urging people to get immunized in case the H1N1 virus makes a comeback.
The Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department is offering free H1N1 vaccine to anyone who wants to be immunized at two clinics this month. Appointments must be made by calling 972-5520. The first clinic is 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Burger Center, 3200 Jones Road. The second is 1 to 6 p.m. Jan. 21 at Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Drive.
maroser@statesman.com; 445-3619
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
by Eliza » Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:35 pm
Flu hospitalizations on upswing
By Tom Corwin | Staff Writer
Friday, January 08, 2010
After weeks of steady decline, Georgia and the nation saw an increase in pandemic influenza A H1N1 activity in recent reports, officials said.
After declining to three hospitalizations for the week ending Dec. 22, the number of hospitalizations from the new virus jumped to 14 and then 26 for the week that ended Tuesday. South Carolina reported 21 hospitalizations, up one from the previous week. Neither state saw any deaths from confirmed cases.
Nationally, there was a slight uptick in the number of people going to doctors and emergency rooms with influenzalike illness and also in the number of deaths due to influenza and pneumonia, said Anne Schuchat, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC.
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.
By Tom Corwin | Staff Writer
Friday, January 08, 2010
After weeks of steady decline, Georgia and the nation saw an increase in pandemic influenza A H1N1 activity in recent reports, officials said.
After declining to three hospitalizations for the week ending Dec. 22, the number of hospitalizations from the new virus jumped to 14 and then 26 for the week that ended Tuesday. South Carolina reported 21 hospitalizations, up one from the previous week. Neither state saw any deaths from confirmed cases.
Nationally, there was a slight uptick in the number of people going to doctors and emergency rooms with influenzalike illness and also in the number of deaths due to influenza and pneumonia, said Anne Schuchat, the director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC.
Reach Tom Corwin at (706) 823-3213 or tom.corwin@augustachronicle.com.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
by Eliza » Wed Jan 27, 2010 10:40 pm
Dallas County reports 24th death related to swine flu
03:22 PM CST on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
By BRUCE TOMASO / The Dallas Morning News
btomaso@dallasnews.com
The Dallas County health department today reported its 24th confirmed death related to the H1N1 flu virus.
The victim was a 57-year-old man with no underlying high-risk medical conditions.
As has been its policy, the health department provided no additional identifying details.
The county said cases of H1N1 or swine flu are being reported at "low levels." Nonetheless, health officials said, the swine flu threat remains, and residents were urged to get vaccinated.
The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services continues to offer the H1N1 vaccine for free at the following clinic locations: 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas; 440 South Nursery Road in Irving; and 2774 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vaccine is also widely available through private providers, such as doctors' offices and pharmacies.
03:22 PM CST on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
By BRUCE TOMASO / The Dallas Morning News
btomaso@dallasnews.com
The Dallas County health department today reported its 24th confirmed death related to the H1N1 flu virus.
The victim was a 57-year-old man with no underlying high-risk medical conditions.
As has been its policy, the health department provided no additional identifying details.
The county said cases of H1N1 or swine flu are being reported at "low levels." Nonetheless, health officials said, the swine flu threat remains, and residents were urged to get vaccinated.
The Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services continues to offer the H1N1 vaccine for free at the following clinic locations: 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas; 440 South Nursery Road in Irving; and 2774 Valwood Parkway in Farmers Branch. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vaccine is also widely available through private providers, such as doctors' offices and pharmacies.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
Alabama
by Eliza » Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:08 pm
State flu cases growing
Published 9:45pm Monday, December 27, 2010
If you’ve noticed some of your coworkers not being at work or the facial tissue aisle of the local drug store being a little sparse lately, there’s a very good reason.
The flu is here. It is here in full effect and according to state health officials we’re not even at the worst time of year for the flu yet.
“The peak for Alabama’s flu season is typically January and February. So, it’s pretty rough right now,” Tracy England, Director of Surveillance and Outreach of the Immunization Division of Alabama’s Department of Public Health said. “The season usually runs through April, so we are still encouraging everyone who has not received a flu shot already to do so.”
And, its not just Alabama experiencing a large volume of flu cases it is a majority of the southeast.
In fact, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control, Mississippi is the only state so far to report widespread cases of the flu, whereas Alabama, Florida and Georgia are only reporting “regional” cases at this point.
But, England said, those reports may be somewhat misleading.
“We will have to see what the reports look like right after the holidays,” England said. “A lot of people put off going to the doctor for the holidays and then go to the doctor when they get home.”
For the week ending Saturday, Dec. 18 — the latest report available — England said the percentage of visits reported tied to the flu were 10.9 percent compared to 6.3 percent the week before.
“That’s a big jump from one week to the next. The baseline for Alabama [the average percentage reported tied to the flu] is 4.7 percent,” England said. “So, we’ve seen more than double the number of cases tied to the flu than on average.”
Reports for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 25 should be released later this week.
As for current inventories of flu vaccine, England said health departments and other outlets should have plenty available to anyone who has still not received their vaccine.
“There is plenty available and we are encouraging everyone to get the vaccine,” England said. “There’s still plenty of time.”
Published 9:45pm Monday, December 27, 2010
If you’ve noticed some of your coworkers not being at work or the facial tissue aisle of the local drug store being a little sparse lately, there’s a very good reason.
The flu is here. It is here in full effect and according to state health officials we’re not even at the worst time of year for the flu yet.
“The peak for Alabama’s flu season is typically January and February. So, it’s pretty rough right now,” Tracy England, Director of Surveillance and Outreach of the Immunization Division of Alabama’s Department of Public Health said. “The season usually runs through April, so we are still encouraging everyone who has not received a flu shot already to do so.”
And, its not just Alabama experiencing a large volume of flu cases it is a majority of the southeast.
In fact, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control, Mississippi is the only state so far to report widespread cases of the flu, whereas Alabama, Florida and Georgia are only reporting “regional” cases at this point.
But, England said, those reports may be somewhat misleading.
“We will have to see what the reports look like right after the holidays,” England said. “A lot of people put off going to the doctor for the holidays and then go to the doctor when they get home.”
For the week ending Saturday, Dec. 18 — the latest report available — England said the percentage of visits reported tied to the flu were 10.9 percent compared to 6.3 percent the week before.
“That’s a big jump from one week to the next. The baseline for Alabama [the average percentage reported tied to the flu] is 4.7 percent,” England said. “So, we’ve seen more than double the number of cases tied to the flu than on average.”
Reports for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 25 should be released later this week.
As for current inventories of flu vaccine, England said health departments and other outlets should have plenty available to anyone who has still not received their vaccine.
“There is plenty available and we are encouraging everyone to get the vaccine,” England said. “There’s still plenty of time.”
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
Texas
by Eliza » Tue Dec 28, 2010 1:06 am
Denton County Flu Cases Double in Past Week
By SCOTT GORDON
Updated 11:07 PM CST, Mon, Dec 27, 2010
Health officials in Denton County warned Monday of a “substantial increase” in flu cases as doctors braced for more influenza across Texas.
Juan Rodriguez, an epidemiologist for the Denton County Health Department, said the number of flu cases had doubled in the past week.
“I think we can officially say that flu season has started,” he said.
He cautioned most cases of the flu are unreported and his assessment is based on partial information from hospitals and doctor’s offices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the flu outbreak in Texas as “regional” -- one step below “widespread.”
At doctor's offices and clinics such as Primacare at Mockingbird Lane and Abrams Road in Dallas, doctors have also noted an increase.
"The occurrence of flu and flu-like symptoms has picked up in the last two weeks and probably even more in the past week,” said Dr. Cynthia Dott, the clinic’s associate medical director. “We had really been slow with flu prior to that."
She said H1N1, commonly known as the swine flu, is still around -- but without last year's hoopla.
Experts said it's impossible to predict how bad this flu season will be but suggested everyone take precautions.
"The main thing we encourage people to do are the basics of good hand-washing, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, precautionary things like that plus getting your annual flu shot,” Dott said.
By SCOTT GORDON
Updated 11:07 PM CST, Mon, Dec 27, 2010
Health officials in Denton County warned Monday of a “substantial increase” in flu cases as doctors braced for more influenza across Texas.
Juan Rodriguez, an epidemiologist for the Denton County Health Department, said the number of flu cases had doubled in the past week.
“I think we can officially say that flu season has started,” he said.
He cautioned most cases of the flu are unreported and his assessment is based on partial information from hospitals and doctor’s offices.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the flu outbreak in Texas as “regional” -- one step below “widespread.”
At doctor's offices and clinics such as Primacare at Mockingbird Lane and Abrams Road in Dallas, doctors have also noted an increase.
"The occurrence of flu and flu-like symptoms has picked up in the last two weeks and probably even more in the past week,” said Dr. Cynthia Dott, the clinic’s associate medical director. “We had really been slow with flu prior to that."
She said H1N1, commonly known as the swine flu, is still around -- but without last year's hoopla.
Experts said it's impossible to predict how bad this flu season will be but suggested everyone take precautions.
"The main thing we encourage people to do are the basics of good hand-washing, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, precautionary things like that plus getting your annual flu shot,” Dott said.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
Georgia
by Eliza » Tue Dec 28, 2010 5:19 pm
Got the flu? Welcome to the club!
Posted: Dec 28, 2010 3:13 PM CST
Updated: Dec 28, 2010 3:15 PM CST
Jennifer Emert -
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Southwest Georgia is one of eight regions in the state with highest flu activity. Health officials are concerned because a majority of the cases in southwest Georgia are children.
They're urging parents if their child hasn't had a flu vaccine to get one before students head back to school.
"We know that the flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent flu so now that children are out of school and maybe parent still off work this would be a convenient time to get their children vaccinated before they go back to school," said Southwest Georgia Health District Deputy Director Brenda Greene, R. N.
Health officials urge if you're not feeling well to stay home. They say if you're diagnosed with the flu, you shouldn't go back to work or send a child to school until 24 hours after the fever has broken.
Peak season for flu in southwest Georgia is January and February.
Posted: Dec 28, 2010 3:13 PM CST
Updated: Dec 28, 2010 3:15 PM CST
Jennifer Emert -
ALBANY, GA (WALB) – Southwest Georgia is one of eight regions in the state with highest flu activity. Health officials are concerned because a majority of the cases in southwest Georgia are children.
They're urging parents if their child hasn't had a flu vaccine to get one before students head back to school.
"We know that the flu vaccine is the number one way to prevent flu so now that children are out of school and maybe parent still off work this would be a convenient time to get their children vaccinated before they go back to school," said Southwest Georgia Health District Deputy Director Brenda Greene, R. N.
Health officials urge if you're not feeling well to stay home. They say if you're diagnosed with the flu, you shouldn't go back to work or send a child to school until 24 hours after the fever has broken.
Peak season for flu in southwest Georgia is January and February.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
by Eliza » Fri Dec 31, 2010 2:35 am
The Pulse: Asheville hospital workers let go for not getting flu shot
By Vicky Eckenrode
Published: Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
Three workers at Mission Hospital in Buncombe County were fired after refusing to get a mandatory flu shot, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported recently.
Like a growing number of hospitals, Mission adopted a policy that required flu vaccinations for medical staff and employees unless they had a medical or religious exemption.
The Asheville paper reported that 14 employees were suspended without pay for not getting vaccinated by a Dec. 1 deadline. Eleven of those workers got the shots by an extended deadline on Dec. 15, and the three who did not lost their jobs.
Hospitals that have implemented the required flu shot rule for staffers, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, argue that it cuts down on sick days and helps keep the virus from spreading to patients at the hospital during flu season.
More than 4,400 employees at New Hanover Regional, which had a deadline of Nov. 20, complied with the vaccine policy, hospital spokeswoman Erin Balzotti said.
New Hanover Regional CEO Jack Barto recently told the hospital board that one employee who previously worked at the hospital on an as-needed basis did not get the vaccine and therefore no longer works there.
Mandatory vaccination policies popped up last year at hospitals during the emergence of the H1N1 virus when health officials were uncertain of the severity of the new strain. But the requirements did not come without controversy. Some health worker groups protested against making vaccination a job requirement.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41 percent of Americans over the age of 6 months received seasonal flu vaccines during the 2009-2010 season when the coverage of the H1N1 virus pushed rates higher.
Only 27 percent of the country among people over 6 months of age received the H1N1 vaccine last year when there were two different shots. This season, the vaccines for seasonal flu and H1N1 were combined into a single vaccine.
By comparison, nearly 62 percent of health care workers had been vaccinated against seasonal flu and 37 percent received an H1N1 vaccine last season as of January, the CDC reported in April.
The agency also found that 11 percent of health care providers nationally had required seasonal flu vaccine for their workers, while about 8 percent mandated the H1N1 shots last year.
To read more, go to the Health Pulse blog at Pulse.blogs.StarNewsOnline.com.
By Vicky Eckenrode
Published: Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, December 30, 2010 at 7:52 a.m.
Three workers at Mission Hospital in Buncombe County were fired after refusing to get a mandatory flu shot, the Asheville Citizen-Times reported recently.
Like a growing number of hospitals, Mission adopted a policy that required flu vaccinations for medical staff and employees unless they had a medical or religious exemption.
The Asheville paper reported that 14 employees were suspended without pay for not getting vaccinated by a Dec. 1 deadline. Eleven of those workers got the shots by an extended deadline on Dec. 15, and the three who did not lost their jobs.
Hospitals that have implemented the required flu shot rule for staffers, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, argue that it cuts down on sick days and helps keep the virus from spreading to patients at the hospital during flu season.
More than 4,400 employees at New Hanover Regional, which had a deadline of Nov. 20, complied with the vaccine policy, hospital spokeswoman Erin Balzotti said.
New Hanover Regional CEO Jack Barto recently told the hospital board that one employee who previously worked at the hospital on an as-needed basis did not get the vaccine and therefore no longer works there.
Mandatory vaccination policies popped up last year at hospitals during the emergence of the H1N1 virus when health officials were uncertain of the severity of the new strain. But the requirements did not come without controversy. Some health worker groups protested against making vaccination a job requirement.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 41 percent of Americans over the age of 6 months received seasonal flu vaccines during the 2009-2010 season when the coverage of the H1N1 virus pushed rates higher.
Only 27 percent of the country among people over 6 months of age received the H1N1 vaccine last year when there were two different shots. This season, the vaccines for seasonal flu and H1N1 were combined into a single vaccine.
By comparison, nearly 62 percent of health care workers had been vaccinated against seasonal flu and 37 percent received an H1N1 vaccine last season as of January, the CDC reported in April.
The agency also found that 11 percent of health care providers nationally had required seasonal flu vaccine for their workers, while about 8 percent mandated the H1N1 shots last year.
To read more, go to the Health Pulse blog at Pulse.blogs.StarNewsOnline.com.
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Eliza - Posts: 9704
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:05 am
- Location: Deep in the hills with my rifle, bible, and pony
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